safety & training
Rider safety is our priority!
There are two ways to ride this summer. Join us in-person on Saturday, August 7 at various locations throughout the Western New York area as we ride socially distant and safe. Or ride your own way throughout the month of August. No matter which way you choose, we can’t wait to make a difference together!
Suggested routes
Our suggested routes may be on the open road, so riders share the road with cars and must obey the rules of the road.
Riding
Safe
KEEP EARS FREE
You should not use headphones or cell phones while riding so that you can hear your fellow riders, and be aware of your surroundings. Your fully charged cell phone IS an important safety tool, though, so bring your phone on your ride.
CHILDREN
New York state law prohibits taking a child under 12 months of age on a bicycle ride in a bicycle child seat, trailer, sidecar or any other carrier. Helmets are not available for children under 12 months of age.
HYDRATE
Be sure your bike has a water bottle cage, and carry a sports water bottle that fits in the cage. Store-bought water bottles will fall out of the cage and trip riders. Drink water before you are thirsty!
OTHER RULES TO FOLLOW
Ride to the right unless passing a slower cyclist. Always pass on the left, never on the right. Call out “on your left!” and use your bell as you approach and pass.
Don’t ride more than two abreast. Traveling in groups of more than two riders side by side makes it difficult for both cars and other riders to pass safely. Put plenty of space between you and the rider in front of you.
Obey all traffic signals, devices and signs.
Use verbal commands and hand signals. Most bike accidents occur when two or more bikes collide, usually caused when one rider isn’t paying attention. Use loud and clear communication! Declare your intentions by using hand signals to alert drivers and riders when you turn, slow or stop.
Resources on Common Riding Situations
If you are not that familiar with the situations when riding a bicycle on public roads, we have provided some helpful links with great information that will keep you safe and knowledgable! Click on the items below to access the knowledge bases.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT
Do not move the rider. They may have internal injuries. Use your cell phone or flag down a rider who has one and call 911.
GEAR UP FOR A SAFE RIDE!
In order to have a safe ride, you have to have the right equipment! The Ride for Roswell’s local bike shop partners generously provide free bike inspections and discounts to our riders. We encourage you to visit a bike shop near you to buy new gear and get your bike tuned up, inspected or upgraded.
Air Pressure
Squeeze your tires to make sure you don’t have a flat or they aren’t under-inflated. Use a tire gauge and a pump or visit one of The Ride’s local bike shop partners for a fix.
Brakes
Check to see if they are tight enough. Or are they squeaking and too tight? Your local bike shop can help.
CHAIN
Look it over and make sure it’s lubricated. If it is rusty or dry, have your local bike shop grease as necessary or it may need replacing.
LOCAL BIKE SHOP PARTNERS!
Getting your bike properly fitted for your body dimensions, and learning how to shift your bike’s gears will make a world of difference. Your local bike shop can help you with bike fit and with skills training. Proper gear shifting is a fundamental skill that will improve your ride and your personal safety.
Elm and Carlton Streets Buffalo, NY 14263
716-THE-RIDE
716-843-7433
Saturday, August 7
University at Buffalo
Grand Island, West River Parkway
Buffalo Outer Harbor
Niagara County Community College
Buffalo RosRoll
